Three days to a cleaner apartment

There’s something about the change of a season that inspires you to clean and refresh your space. While it might feel like a daunting task when you first start out, it doesn’t have to be. By making a realistic plan to complete a set list of tasks each day, you’ll enjoy a more efficient experience and satisfying outcome. Below is your three-day plan to a cleaner apartment. 

Day 1 

Begin by decluttering 
Don’t waste time cleaning around things you don’t plan to keep. Instead, start your process by clearing out any old and/or seasonal items that you no longer need.  

A great place to begin is in your closets. As you switch over your wardrobe for a new season, spend some time assessing what should stay and what you no longer see yourself wearing. Once you have your pile of clothes to get rid of, check out these ideas on how to do so ethically and sustainably.  

It’s also a great opportunity to check expiration dates on food in your pantry and refrigerator, in addition to sorting through old medications and cosmetics. 

Finally, pay attention to those “drop zones” in your home that tend to accumulate clutter. Entryway tables, junk drawers and desktops are some common problem areas. As you’re decluttering these spots, protect your information by shredding any old paperwork, receipts, etc. that you find.  
 
Dust & disinfect surfaces 
Make dusting another one of your first action items. Cleaning professionals recommend doing so because dust that enters the air will settle throughout other areas of the room, especially the floor. Vacuuming later will help capture as much of it as possible. Dust from fan blades to baseboards, including areas that you might not hit regularly, like lampshades, blinds and around window frames.  

While you’re working on surfaces, disinfect areas like faucets, bathtubs/showers, sinks, counters, doorknobs, appliance and drawer handles, and light switches.  

Day 2 

Focus on floors 
Sweep/mop all your hard flooring and thoroughly vacuum your carpeted areas. Take the time to move out end tables, armchairs, and anything else that you can safely lift from the room to get to those hard-to-reach spots. And while you have the vacuum out, switch its attachments and vacuum couches and other upholstered pieces.   

Launder seasonal items 
Wash quilts, duvet covers, blankets and throw pillows before storing anything away for the season. Also, launder things like bathmats, entryway rugs, dog beds, fabric placemats, etc. that might not make their way into your regular cycles.   

Day 3 

Deep clean a little deeper 
Some commonly used items in your home could use some extra attention from time to time. Here are some ideas that might not be top-of-mind but should find their way to your seasonal cleaning checklist. 

• Clean faucet aerators and showerheads to remove mineral deposits. 
• Empty and clean pantry and cabinet shelves. 
• Clean all vents with a dust rag or remove them to wash if extra dirty. 
• Tend to your toiletries by washing makeup brushes, cleaning out hairbrushes, switching out your toothbrush, etc.  
• Wipe down and clean out appliances such as microwaves, ovens, and dishwashers. 
• Clean out your washing machine for fresher clothes and linens – here’s a guide on how to do it. 
• Wash out the insides of trash cans/recycle bins. 

General upkeep  
To complement your cleaning efforts, consider adding this list of miscellaneous to do’s on your last day to further refresh and reset your space. 

• Test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries as necessary. 
• Inspect electrical cords for wear. 
• Polish all wood and condition leather furniture. 
• Switch out seasonal décor. 
• Rotate your mattress by moving it from the head of your bed to the foot – from top to bottom. 
• Take an inventory of all the emergency supplies in your home, such as batteries, medications, bottled water, flashlights, etc. 

Now you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your clean apartment. Or maybe you’re already on to your next project, like creating an indoor apartment garden or upgrading your outdoor living space. Find even more inspiration on Redwood’s blog.